What we do
Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise—comprised of a family of travel companies—committed to changing people’s lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.
Our Grand Circle family includes:
Grand Circle Travel (GCT)
Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for experienced Americans. Established in 1958 by Ethel Andrus, educator and founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), we view world travel as a powerful lever for lifelong learning. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value.
Grand Circle Cruise Line
Our award-winning cruise division operates Grand Circle Cruise Line Small Ship Cruise Tours and River Cruise vacations. The fleet consists of 50- to 250-passenger vessels that we either own or privately charter. All our ships are operated exclusively for Grand Circle Cruise Line, and have been custom-built according to your specifications.
Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises
Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and O.A.T. brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)
Overseas Adventure Travel offers unique small group adventures worldwide to Americans over 50. By land and sea, we explore on—and off—the beaten path with a resident O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader, immersing ourselves in local cultures, sampling unique modes of transportation, and staying in authentic lodgings that reflect the essence of your destination. Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and O.A.T. brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.
Grand Circle Foundation
Grand Circle Foundation was established in 1992 as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so much. Since its inception, our Foundation has donated or pledged more than $50 million to educational, humanitarian, and cultural organizations worldwide.
